STAR STORES
TODAY’S DONAGHMORE: IN TOP 100 UK INDEPENDENT RETAIL STORES
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local neighbourhood convenience store and forecourt has been recognised by the Independent Achievers Academy for making it into the Top 100 of Independent Retail stores in the UK. Today’s Extra Donaghmore Store Manager Stephen Brown told Ulster Grocer this was the highest accolade the store has received in 2015.This is recognition of the hard work put in on a daily basis by the management and staff, which keeps the store trading to such a high standard. Another development for the store included a refit at the beginning of the year, including investment in new energy efficient dairy cabinets and chilled fruit and veg units along and a new store layout, which now puts a major focus on the chilled and fresh food categories in line with current shopping trends. Another new layout feature, a ‘power aisle’ allows customers to shop the complete range of special offers on their current promotional leaflet, as well as their extensive range of £1 saver deals as they come into the store. As a busy Today’s Extra/Emo Fuels forecourt site, a good ‘food to go’ offering is essential to the ongoing success of the business. “We have invested in our existing hot food/deli counter, with the appointment of a new chef, who is now providing a new choice of meals/snacks including the popular breakfast baps, meal deals, lunchtime specials and dinners,” said Stephen. “This has been a great boost for footfall and sales have increased dramatically, making early mornings and lunchtimes a busy period. “Being a local store, we also like to be aware of our local customers’ needs and regularly stock products and offer services that are not available elsewhere in the village. We aim to give back to the community where possible, and take pride in supporting the local community events and charity groups by offering sponsorship throughout the year.” With the poor summer weather, Stephen commented that sales of soft drinks, ice cream and seasonal lines were not what he had forecast but,
although sales have been a challenge in this area, he is pleased with the increase in other areas, particularly within the new ranges of chilled and fresh food. “We have a new range of over 1,200 products now available online to order directly from our Today’s wholesaler Savage & Whitten, covering chill, fresh, frozen and fruit and veg to choose from,” he said. “With S&W Wholesale supporting and driving a more extensive offer on range, price and local promotional activity, this has helped us to drive sales to an all-time high within the store.” Stephen is looking forward to an exciting and busy 2016 for the store. With further investment planned for the site, a new food-to-go concept, along with the introduction of an improved hot drinks to go offering, will form part of the plan to drive sales and footfall further in the Today’s Extra site in Donaghmore. Speaking on behalf of the Today’s team from S&W Wholesale, Michael Skelton (sales director) told Ulster Grocer: “We are delighted with the new improved Today’s Extra store and how it has been received in Donaghmore. This store represents the way forward for the Today’s Group with a new look store and improved customer offering.”
Today’s team in Donaghmore
SPAR CAVEHILL ROAD: CREATING A MORE SHOPPER-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
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PAR Cavehill Road had been run by Norman Porter for over 35 years when, in 2015, his daughter Jenny took over the business in partnership with long-serving store manager Frank Quigley. Since the start of the year, the store has undergone a significant refurbishment. “Trading in 2015 has been challenging with the ever-changing shopper trends and with our new partnership in place, it was vital that we continued to deliver the high-level of customer service that our local community were used too. Lucky for us, we had the support and guidance of Norman to do this,” says Jenny Reilly, new store owner. Recognising the need to modernise, in September SPAR Cavehill underwent an interior redesign, helping to breathe new life into the Owners Jenny Reilly and Frank Quigley
store and creating a much more vibrant, shopper friendly environment. This wasn’t without its challenges as Jenny and Frank vowed to keep the doors open throughout the process. So whilst pressure remained to ensure the least possible disruption, the new store developed a larger produce section, extended dairy offering and a range of exciting new services such as Barrista Coffee and Quinns Ice-cream. “Our employees have been the shining stars who have provided consistency and a high level of service to our shoppers’ through-out the store refurbishment,” said Jenny. “This is a unique store and has a strong and well-established history within the Cavehill area and any changes needed to embrace our individuality but at the same time modernise and develop to meet the changing needs of our shoppers. We wanted to create a welcoming store which was well laid out and offered a one stop shop.” The impressive new in-store imagery tells the story of the store’s distinctive heritage, creating a heart-warming and friendly atmosphere. The significant investment has also resulted in longer opening hours, an extended range of fresh produce including various meal solutions, gluten free options and also a newly revamped Subway franchise. The store has seen an increase in sales since the store finished its refurbishment and the feedback from shoppers has been overwhelmingly positive. Looking to the future, both Jenny and Frank are excited about the new opportunities their changes will bring. The store will continue to source locally, aim to satisfy shoppers’ needs and invest where possible in the local community. 33